A career day for Steven Jackson and another big finish from the defense helped the St. Louis Rams win again without their coach and most of their star players.
Jackson had 179 yards on 25 carries and scored the winning touchdown, Mike Furrey’s 37-yard interception return led to the go-ahead score and the Rams stuffed the Jaguars’ attack most of the second half in a 24-21 victory over Jacksonville on Sunday.
Fred Taylor, who was questionable with a bruised right ankle, had 165 yards on 23 carries for the Jaguars (4-3). That included a 71-yard scoring run in the first quarter.
But the Jaguars were hurt by two missed field goals. Josh Scobee was wide right on a pair of long attempts, including a 44-yarder that could have tied it with 9:25 left. He also flubbed a 48-yarder in the first half after entering the game 11-for-13.
The Rams (4-4) have won two of three since losing coach Mike Martz for the season due to a heart illness and with interim coach Joe Vitt in charge. They expect to get back QB Marc Bulger (shoulder) and wide receivers Torry Holt (knee) and Isaac Bruce (turf toe) after their bye week next week. Defensive end Leonard Little, the team’s best pass rusher, also should return after missing two games following the shooting death of a younger brother.
